Radial artery infections and aneurysms after catheterization.

Abstract

Twelve patients in whom radial artery infections developed after catheterization in an intensive care unit over a 2-year period were reviewed. The incidence of local infection was 0.4%. An increased risk of infection was associated with prolonged catheterization (greater than 4 days). Aneurysms developed in five patients. Signs of septic emboli were present in two patients, including Osler's nodes, Janeway's lesions, and fingertip infarcts. In 6 of the 12 patients, the radial artery infection resolved with antibiotic treatment alone. The five patients with infected aneurysms were treated successfully with antibiotics and surgical excision. The radial artery was reconstructed by use of a vein graft in one patient. We believe that patients not responding promptly to antibiotics or patients with infected aneurysms are best treated by surgical excision.

• Authors: E Swanson, A Freiberg, D R Salter
• Journal: The Journal of hand surgery (J Hand Surg Am) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 166-71 (Jan 1990) ISSN: 0363-5023 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2299159 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aneurysm, Infected (drug therapy, etiology, surgery)
• Arm (blood supply)
• Arteries
• Catheterization, Peripheral (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Staphylococcal Infections (etiology)